2nd pregnancy - Episiotomy and forceps first time...what to expect 2nd?

[Louisee58]

My first labour didn't go so well, my DS is now nearly 5 and I have just found out recently I am expecting my second, I am only 6+6 (had an early scan) but really worried about birth the second time round! the first lasted 56 hours, but was not dilating, I went into labour early Saturday morning with contractions barely having any break in between straight away to a couple hours later having no breaks however they just were not doing what they were meant to.....by 9am Monday morning after having my waters broken they finally decided to put me on the drip and give me an epidural (finally got some sleep) and DS was eventually born at 4.50pm after being delivered by forceps and me receiving an episiotomy, it wasn't a smooth ride and I'm really worried this time round, I don't know what to expect, my midwife booking in app isn't until next Monday so i can ask some questions then but would they leave me for as long again if the same thing was happening? has anyone else been through the same then had a normal birth afterwards?

Louise, you could be me! Awaiting answers with interest....

I had a 'precautionary' episiotomy with my second.

My first was a 55 hour labour, he was 9lb 2oz, back to back and had his arm over his head (superman style) and there was no way he was coming out without an episiotomy and ventouse.

I expressed concern that my second would be the same weight or heavier and they agreed that because it was only one year later and I had scar tissue that it was a good idea to give me another cut.

I don't think its always necessary though.

First baby 23. Hour labour
Baby was back to back
Epidural ( and 2 top ups ) episiotomy , forceps , stitches and blood transfusion for me
Baby weighed 8lb 13

Baby 2 born an hour after we got to the hospital ( less than 3 hours after calling the midwife out )
Baby weighed 7lb 10
No tearing , no stitches and home 2 hours later

Hi
Congrats on your pregnancy. I had similar to you - back to back, episiotomy and forceps in my first labour. Contractions for nearly 24hrs without breaks in between. I honestly thought I was dying.
But, just had number two and it was much quicker and much better. The contractions were much more bearable, got breaks in between. I had the baby in the pool with just gas and air. Did have a second degree tear but recovery has been quicker and it was a big baby. Much more positive experience. I felt like a failure after first birth as I couldn't cope with the contractions. I realise now it was because the baby was back to back.
Try not to let it overtake your happy pregnancy thoughts. It would be highly unusual if you had an anywhere near as stressful birth the second time around.

My 2nd birth was assisted delivery, episiotomy etc. just had my third and no stitches at all, he was 2lbs lighter than DS2 and just popped out! Hopefully you will not have a repeat of your previous experience. (DS1 was natural but long and hard with episiotomy due to distress starting to show.)

First was a 48 hour back to back labour, gas and air only but resulted in 2nd degree tear and ventouse delivery.
Had my 2nd 13 weeks ago. 12 hour text book labour, gas and air again, no tear, no stitches and 8lbs 8oz baby. Much, much nicer and much less painful. In fact I'd even consider doing it again!

Bless you. My first labour was hideous. Stop start contractions for four days, no sleep, whacked out on pethadine, forceps, third degree tear and blood transfusion after.
To say I was worried for second labour would be putting it mildly. Although my second labour doesn't sound like a dream - blue lighted in after a failed home birth and vontuse delivery, I have nothing but positive feelings towards it.
This is because I was so well supported by my midwife during pregnancy. I had such bad feelings towards labour she arranged for me to have regular meetings with the consultant midwife at the hospital to talk through my options. Can you ask your midwife for something similar?
I was offered a cesarian and opted for home birth in the end as I felt it was right for me. Also did hypnobirthing which helped too.
I think if you get support now you will be absolutely fine. Plus second labours are often quicker and your body knows what it's doing second time around. Good luck !

I had a 30 hour back to back labour which resulted in episiotomy and ventouse with dd1.
Dd2 was the right way round but still needed ventouse because after two hours of pushing she still wasn't out, I had a 2nd degree tear with her.
That labour was only 15 hours but I felt much more battered about for some reason and took longer to recover.

I had epidurals with both towards the end so didn't feel any pain with the episiotomy or tear.

Thanks everyone I do feel much better after reading all your responses, although you all seem to have had this experience due to back to back labour, mine wasn't and he was only 6lb 11oz

Dogsmom sorry to hear about both of your experiences, I hope it didn't traumatise you too much! I took a long time to recover this first time as my stitches got infected too, I cried everytime I needed to drink because I knew I would then need a wee and that burning it was horrendous!

Thanks lovelychops, will bring it up at my booking in app on Monday and see what can be done. I know either way this one has to be born lol I just hope its as positive as all your second birth stories Thanks! xx